Economic Alliance of Kankakee County

04/22/2026

The Kankakee County CEO Trade Show will be Saturday, April 25, from 1:00–3:00 PM (open-house style, stop by anytime!) at The Majestic in downtown Kankakee (150 N Schuyler Ave).

Come support the CEO students as they showcase their individual business ventures, the culmination of a full school year of learning through business visits, guest speakers, and hands-on entrepreneurial experience.

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, innovation, and community connection!

04/15/2026

Your dollar goes further in Kankakee County!

Our Cost of Living is consistently lower than regional, state, and national averages, giving you more buying power and giving employers a strategic edge.

With housing costs well below national benchmarks and everyday essentials remaining competitive, Kankakee County supports both workforce stability and long-term economic growth.

04/09/2026

Thank you to the Village of Bradley for hosting the Q2 2026 Economic Alliance board of directors meeting at the Bradley 315 Sports Park and Plate'D Social restaurant.

Thank you to the Village of Bradley, Mayor Mike Watson, and Tommy Vasilakis with the Plate'D Social team for their warm hospitality.

We covered exciting local business developments, community achievements, livability highlights, and shined a spotlight on agriculture - along with updates on recovery efforts following the tornado and storms on March 10.

We appreciate everyone who joined us. For more information and to view the board report and presentation by the Village of Bradley, visit https://kankakeecountyed.org/resources/

03/31/2026

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is conducting a study of the IL 50 corridor from south of Brookmont Boulevard to Jeffery Street in Kankakee.

As part of this effort, IDOT will be hosting an open house public meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kankakee Community College.

Please make plans to attend this open house!

03/30/2026

Thanks to our partners at the Kankakee County Farm Bureau and Illinois Farm Bureau, we’re excited to share some standout insights about one of our County’s top industries: Agriculture.

Kankakee County is home to more than 6,000 agriculture-related jobs - and the impact doesn’t stop there. These hardworking producers are driving impressive rankings across Illinois in several top ag products.

Did you know Kankakee County ranks among the best in the state for key agricultural outputs?

We’re proud to celebrate the people and partnerships that keep our local ag industry thriving!

03/23/2026

From our strong sense of community to our resilience and strength, this is a place where people thrive. We’re proud of what we’ve built. Kankakee County is the place to be.

https://kankakeecountyed.org/

03/18/2026

In the wake of recovery here in Kankakee County, so many have joined together to assist in countless ways. Here are just a few resources for individuals, families, and businesses for funding sources, volunteer and donation opportunities, and damage assessments.

Disaster: https://www.myunitedway.org/disaster

Volunteer: https://www.myunitedway.org/volunteer

Damage Assessment: https://kankakeecountyed.org/iema-damage-assessment-for-businesses/

United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties and Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley

https://www.linkedin.com/company/illinois-emergency-management-agency-and-office-of-homeland-security/

09/23/2025

Angela Morrey was recently appointed acting president/CEO of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, filling the vacancy left by Tim Nugent's resignation.

08/25/2025

Looking forward to an exciting year ahead with the 2025-26 Class of Kankakee County CEO!

“Welcome to your incredible journey!”
PROUDLY INTRODUCING THE 2025-26 KANKAKEE COUNTY CEO CLASS!

The CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program is a year-long experience for high school juniors and seniors, worth two high school credits. Backed by the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship and supported by local businesses and community investors, CEO equips students with the skills and mindset to succeed—problem-solving, communication, leadership, and innovation.

Program Highlights:
-Daily Meetings: 90 minutes each weekday of real-world learning.
-Group Businesses: Students launch ventures together in the first semester.
-Mentorship: Each student is paired with a local professional.
-Personal Business Ventures: Each student creates and runs their own business venture second semester, from concept to final product or service.
-Guest Speakers & Business Visits: 30–40 speakers and 30 business tours annually.
-Trade Show: A spring showcase of student businesses for the community.

Follow our page to see these young entrepreneurs and leaders in action. It’s going to be an amazing year!

8/25/25